Kayak Instruction by Location

Massachusetts
Maine
New York
Rhode Island

Flat Water Kayaking

Primary Strokes
Kayak Strokes & Rescues
Pool Rolling
Outdoor Rolling

Open Water Kayaking

Kayak Surfing
Open Water Workshop (2 days)
Ocean Motion & Movement
Ocean Skills Workshop (2 days)
Surfing the Long Boat
Rock Hopping & Incident Management

White Water Kayaking

Introduction to White Water
White Water Workshop (2 days)

Customized Programs

Private Instruction & Tours
Kids & Family Kayaking
Group Adventures

American Canoe Association (ACA) Certification

Kayak Instructor
Stand Up Paddle Instructor

OPEN WATER WORKSHOP

2 Day Introduction to Open Water Kayaking

The best way to become a competent and proficient open water kayaker is our 2 day Open Water Workshop that combines flat-water skills with an open water experience. We have taken our two most popular beginner classes and paired them together to do just that, at a significantly discounted rate.

Day one features our Kayak Strokes and Rescues class where we’ll introduce you to the fundamentals of kayaking on flat water while focusing on efficient strokes and effective rescues. In the afternoon we’ll spend some time getting wet while working on our assisted and self rescues. These skills will prepare you for the dynamic environment of open water and the challenges that await you.

On day two we take your freshly acquired skills and apply them to open water with wind, waves and current. In our Ocean Motion and Movement class we introduce open water skills as well as navigation, towing and general seamanship. As the day progresses you’ll learn to link your strokes and use your lower body to maneuver your kayak with improved power and efficiency. Rescues become more challenging in wind and waves, but your steadily improving skills will enable you to perform them with balance and control. Throughout the day your instructor will help you understand tides, currents and the challenges they pose to general navigation. After lunch we’ll role-play on some common open water rescue situations such as towing and rafting for support. During the latter part of the day we will play with our braces, Eskimo rescues and rough water paddle float re-entries.

Length: 2 days, 7 hours each day
Skill Level:    Beginner
Prerequisites: This is a 2 day entry level kayaking course, no prior kayak experience required.  Participants should expect to be in their kayak for most of the day.

  • Meeting Locations

    DAY 1
    Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln
    2 Manchester Print Works Road
    Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865

    DAY 2
    URI Bay Campus, Narragansett
    From the North (Providence, RI)
    Route 95 south to route 4 south to 1 south to the junction of 138. Take a left at the lights at that junction on Bridgetown Road (do not take 138 west), down the hill and to the light at route 1A Boston neck road. Go straight across the intersection on to South Ferry Road following it straight to the end.

  • Itinerary

    Day 1 & 2: Groups meet promptly at 9am. In the morning you will meet your instructor, sign a waiver form, and get fitted with kayak equipment for the day. The whole day will be spent outside so please dress according to the gear list and bring enough food and water for the entire day. Plan to wrap up the day around 4pm.

  • Included/ Not Included

    Course Includes: Students will be outfitted with all kayak equipment for this course. You are welcome to bring your own equipment but it will be subject to approval by your guide. Equipment provided includes kayak, paddle, PFD (floatation vest), safety accessories, dry suit or wet suit if needed, water shoes

    Not Included With Course Fee: Students will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. See gear list for required gear and clothing. Students will be responsible for lodging, meals, transportation, personal gear and clothing

  • Gear List

    Clothing is as important as your kayak and paddle. Being properly dressed is essential to enjoying your outdoor adventures. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call 800-310-4504.

    view gear check list

  • Policies

    Payment is due in full at time of reservation to secure your reservation. Events run rain or shine. Eastern Mountain Sports Schools reserves the right to cancel or reschedule events for low participation, weather or safety concerns at any time. We will try to give as much advance notice as possible, but may not always be able to give much advance warning, especially for weather cancellations.

    1) Cancellations or schedule changes 8 DAYS OR MORE PRIOR to the event start date will be fully refunded or credited with no penalty.

    2) Reservation changes of any kind WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE EVENT START DATE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED and you WILL NOT be permitted to carry over deposits to future events. Please mark this date on your calender after making your reservation!

    **EMS Kayak School does not provide any transportation unless otherwise specified.

    **For participants 17 or younger, a parent MUST sign a waiver form for EACH days course.

    If you have any questions please call 800-310-4504. We will be more than happy to review our cancellation policy with you.

  • Contact Us

    Reservations are required in advance for all Kayak School programs and full payment is required to hold your spot. Please call 800-310-4504 to make your reservation and have credit card ready for payment.

    *Please follow up your request with a phone call. All reservations finalized over the phone.

Dates & Cost


Rhode Island
Lincoln Woods State Park